While TRM inmates are anxiously awaiting the launch of the new book, Tongariro Skulduggery, SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed, who is the manager of everything at TRM, must have an extraordinary imagination) has been questioned about a character in the book referred to as the “White Mouse” of Turangi.
SWMBO describes the intriguing plot as a “mockumentary”. She claims that was Her deliberate ploy to satirize a story based on the republic of Turangi, mocking everything in a documentary style. She promises you will love it! The plot develops twists and turns following the discovery of an ancient skull on the Tongariro River. This eventually results in a spy being appointed, known as the white mouse of Turangi, for sneaking confidential information back and forth to add more drama. Another famous spy also features – one of international notoriety was exposed but indemnified from prosecution because of his close connections with the Royals. Quite extraordinary stuff!
SWMBO must have mentioned Tongariro Skulduggery as somehow it leaked out in the Turangi Tavern where they have all been guessing who the “white mouse” might be? TRM staff have already been questioned and may need protection. It could be any of those in the images, but the “white mouse” in this tale is a fictitious hero who some already imagine they recognise. But there are other famous people involved too.
Another hero, who negotiates the biggest financial deal in Turangi’s history, is a well known prominent person. The nature and extent of her preposterous deal with Government is quite mind-boggling. You might recognise her or one of the other fishy inmates hiding in the images that feature in the epic story.
So where did the tag – “White Mouse” – arise from?
Nancy Grace Augusta Wake (30 August 1912 – 7 August 2011) known as the “White Mouse”, worked as a spy for the British in World War II. At one time she was on the top of the Gestapo‘s most-wanted list. A novel by Sebastian Faulks based on her life called Charlotte Gray, was later made into a movie starring Cate Blanchett.
Wake was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1911. She ran away from home at the age of 16, and in 1935 went to London. She learned to be a journalist and worked in Paris. She married a rich factory owner, Henry Fioca in 1939. When the war started she became an ambulance driver. She soon became a part of a group led by Pat O’Leary (real name Albert Guérisse) which helped British soldiers escape from France. The Gestapo soon noticed her activities and she fled to Spain.
In England she joined the Special Operation Executive (SOE). In April 1944, Wake was parachuted into France to work with the French Resistance before the D-Day landings. She was involved in several major battles with the German army. She is known to have killed an SS soldier with her bare hands.
She was given several important medals for bravery including the British George Medal, the French Croix de Guerre (on three occasions), the Médaille de la Résistance and she was made a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. The Americans gave her the Medal of Freedom. In 2004 Australia made her a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Turangi’s “white mouse” shows similar exceptional bravery in such strange circumstances. But we cannot tell too much – if you want to know more we need you to buy the book. All profits from sales of “Tongariro Skulduggery” are to be directed into a local trust for protection and conservation of some of the local neglected trout rivers.
